Hiya. I'm thinking of getting a pair of Focal Clear OG but have heard about Focal's headphones' headbands easily breaking. Does anyone know how prevalent the issue is? Thanks.

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bbq-ribs t1_jdzudzw wrote on March 28, 2023 at 12:18 PM

I have a Focal Clear, Focal Elex, and a Focal Elegia.

The Elex is like pretty old, I got it second hand in 2018, the Elegia I bought in 2019, and the Clear in 2020.

As long as you're not man handling them you should be fine, but ..... there is a the hifiman head band mod and honestly if my headbands do go I would not be that angry as the hifiman head band is ubber comfy.

TheDogFather t1_jdzmkv9 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 10:58 AM

First I hear of this. No issues with my OG Clear headband after 3 years of frequent use.

ArkhamKnight0708 t1_jdzzipb wrote on March 28, 2023 at 1:02 PM

If they break, you can modify them with a Hifiman Sundara headband easily enough. I've seen someone do it with an Audeze headband, which I'm about to do with a broken Elegia I have.

BeefSupreme__ t1_je06wa2 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 1:58 PM

I use mine daily and they're going strong a few years in. Love them.

DonkeyDumpling t1_je2208q wrote on March 28, 2023 at 9:03 PM

Literally just posted today looking for information about a replacement headband. Had them about three years and treated them well. They still broke. It is a very real possibility even if they are taken care of.

Take a look at this thread for a look inside the headband and some discussion on why it's a common problem:

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/s8wo4x/why_focal_headbands_break/

They do sound great though.

AnotherSpecificDuck t1_jdzis79 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 10:10 AM

My clears don’t have any issues yet. I guess if you handle them carefully (as one probably should do with a 1500€ headphone) you should be fine

HerniatedHernia t1_jdzxpaq wrote on March 28, 2023 at 12:47 PM

Are they a good headphone? Online site here has them reduced for b stock to $899 aud.. was thinking of picking them up when I get the spare cash for it.

AnotherSpecificDuck t1_jdzyh12 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 12:54 PM

It depends on what sound you like. The. Have a small soundstage and are very open. They have great dynamics and the bass has a good punch to it even tho it rolls of and lacks a bit of sub bass.

They sound really detailed and clear, have nice and a bit forward mids, with clean highs that aren’t as sharp as Beyers.

I like them overall and if you like sennheisers I believe you will like the clears too.

daddyyeslegs t1_je0qbck wrote on March 28, 2023 at 4:06 PM

How would you say the radiance compares?

AnotherSpecificDuck t1_je0xb11 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 4:51 PM

More harmanish tuning, still a bit brighter tho (compared to tuning them with oratory EQ).

They definetly have more but not as punchy bass and lack a bit of the clears dynamics.

They have good imaging but can’t really make sounds come from behind you if that makes sense (at least while playing games they didn’t do that well), while imaging from left to right is quite good tho.

They are really clear too and don’t lack too much of stage compared to the clears (they kinda have the same soundstage tbh).

The stock cables are better with the radiances but still awfully uncomfortable to use.

Icy_Earth_8611 OP t1_je40scm wrote on March 29, 2023 at 6:54 AM

OP here. Thanks to all for your responses.

This is off topic. I have a pair of Elegia which I love. So, the question is if it's worthwhile spending almost $1,000 for a pair of Clear? Is there any gain to be had for upgrading?

Thanks again.